Hawaii Travel Blog

Hawaii 5-0 Landmark Hotel Housekeeping Cutbacks

Made famous in the 1960’s by Hawaii 5-O, the Ilikai Hotel has long been a presence in Waikiki. However the property has been getting a lot of

unwanted attention with labor issues as low occupancy spurs housekeeping cutbacks. Starting April 1^st, the hotel is drastically reducing its

housekeeping forces. Occupancy at the Waikiki property is expected to fall between 30% and 40% in April and May, according to general manager

Teri Orton. Orton said that the cuts are temporary. The hotel workers’ union fears the cuts are essentially layoffs to almost two-thirds of the

unionized housekeeping staff.

The property was purchased in July 206 for $218 million by a local company named Anekona with ambitious plans to reposition the Ilikai into an

upscale condominium hotel. The changes have been met with resistance by the condo owners as they fear many of his proposed changes will harm

the old-Hawaii-character of the hotel. After at least six months of delays, the estimated cost has been $5 million. The developers expect major

renovations to begin this fall, with the Ilikai’s grand reopening scheduled for late 2009.

Ala Moana Blvd Construction

If you are renting a car One of the gateways to Waikiki, Ala Moana Boulevard is getting a major facelift. The Hilton Hawaiian Village said the improvements will eventually improve traffic on a crowded stretch of roadway. The bad news is that the construction work there will slowdown traffic over the next eight months. The road improvements will extend from the Hawaii Prince Hotel, passing the Ilikai Hotel and the Hilton down Ala Moana Boulevard past Fort DeRussy to Kalakaua Avenue. The area routinely sees traffic bottlenecked, as tourists and people who live and work in the area travel in and out of Waikiki.

Waikiki Beach Walk Launches “Sunday Showcase”

Waikiki Beach Walk, the new emerging hub of Hawaiian entertainment, dining and shopping along the Lewers Street corridor, is kicking off a new free

"Sunday Showcase" entertainment series starting April 6^th. This will complement a couple of ongoing activities already in place, meaning locals and

visitors alike have yet another destination to explore Waikiki. The new weekly program, part of Outrigger’s Nâ Mele No Na Pua-Music for the Generations

Hawaiian music heritage program, will assemble popular hula and music performers in an early evening program, from 5-6 p.m. on Sundays, at the

Plaza Stage. So far the schedule for April includes:

April 6 — Pali

April 13 — Imua, Da Band

April 20 — Ala and Na Hui Lokahi with Hula Halau O Pua Loke

April 27 — A Touch of Gold & local funny man Frank DeLima

Dec. 21 — looking ahead a Christmas concert, roster to be announced

Waikiki Beach Walk also presents a free weekly show, Ku Ha’aheo (To Cherish With Pride), from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Plaza Stage, and
a Na Mele No Na Pua Kama’aina concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays at the Grand Lanai of the Embassy Suites. Valet parking ($6) for four hours
is available at the Embassy Suites and the Wyndham with any same-day purchase from a Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.

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Book now for the best schedule and space!
Book your reservation by December 31, 2007
and we will reduce the package price by $150!

Requirements
1. Roundtrip air on United Airlines.
2. Travel June 6, 2008 through August 18, 2008.
3. Bookings made now through December 31, 2008.
4. Deposit must be received 7 days after booking or by 12/31/2008 -
whichever comes first.
5. Blue Sky Tours’ Revision/Cancer waiver.
6. Package price of $3000 or more.

Blackout dates and restrictions may apply. Promotion is based on availability

Celebrating a time when Hawaii boasted the only reigning monarchy in the U.S., Aloha Festivals …

The beautiful Garden Island of Kaua’i hosts their annual Aloha Festivals with a multitude of cultural events, activities and programs.
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our Hawaiian culture while having a lot of fun. Most events are free with a Aloha Festivals ribbon.

PACKAGE Includes: Airport Arrival Fresh Flower Lei Greeting, 5 Days Budget Compact Rental Car with Free Upgrade to Intermediate based on space availability (9/7-11/19 & 11/27-12/14/07), 5 Nights Accommodations with 1st Night Free, Daily Breakfast for two at Embassy Suites, Daily Breakfast for two and room upgrade at Wyland Waikiki Hotel, 2 for 1 Grand Circle Island Tour with Aloha VIP Tour and All Applicable Taxes.